Sanofi and Regeneron report positive Phase III results with sarilumab in RA

French drug major Sanofi (Euronext: SAN) and US partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: REGN) have reported positive results from a Phase III trial of sarilumab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The SARIL-RA-MOBILITY trial in adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who were inadequate responders to methotrexate (MTX) therapy, showed that sarilumab, the first fully-human anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody, treatment in combination with MTX improved disease signs and symptoms as well as physical function, and inhibited progression of joint damage.

Neil Graham, Regeneron’s vice president, Immunology and Inflammation, said: “IL-6 blockade is emerging as an important therapeutic approach for rheumatoid arthritis. We are encouraged with these Phase III results, which demonstrated efficacy at both doses of sarilumab, each administered every other week.”